How To Practice Flying On The VATSIM Network (Before Going Live) | MSFS 2020

In this video, I'll show you how you can take your first steps live on the VATSIM network for the very first time, with the safe comfort of knowing, you're not really 'live' on the VATSIM network and therefore, any mistakes you make, will not matter.

This video is the perfect introduction to those of you who would like to practice some 'dummy runs' before delving into the wonderful world of live ATC from the real human controllers on the VATSIM network.

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Streaming live flights several times a week. Lots of tutorials and if you have any requests, please get in touch.

[arminhansarian]

What I found incredibly useful: Actually go and practice a few things offline on the airplane of your choice which might come up on VATSIM but not generally when you just fly solo:

1) Holds (very important if you want to go to a busy airport, especially during events): How to program them, how to enter them and how to exit them (both as published and by ATC instruction)
2) Flying vectors (try to vector yourself!)
3) Go around (including flying the published missed approach or vectors)

[carolebaskin]

I was just building up the courage to get into it. Perfect timing. Thank you sir!

[LuckySheep]

Do NOT start at the busiest airport on VATSIM (except observing, like mentioned in this video). I am ATC at a very busy airport in Europe and when it gets hectic we can absolutely not help newbies, PMs about what the instructions mean is a no-go. What I see a lot is that many new pilots tend to write everything down, or they can not understand the instructions, which slows the process in a very busy airspace.

I would recommend to practice at airports which do have a lot of ATC, but are not that busy because those controllers actually have the time to answer questions. And ofcourse, controllers at busy airspaces are, most of the time, friendly and you can ask to repeat the instruction.

And that is also the last tip I can give: Do not assume you've heard the instruction when you are actually not 100% sure. Instead, ask the controller to repeat.

Good luck everyone!
(Oh, and uhh... Planning is everything when going online: Taxi procedures, weather conditions, expected delays, expected arrival RWY, go around procedures etc.)

[jensnielsen]

Timely just what I needed as I am planning my first Vatsim flight this weekend. Another clear and straight tutorial from you. Thanks Jens.

[ede]

I am not really ready for vatsim yet, BUT, at some point I do wanna use it, This is a great way to learn and get practice with it!! Thanks for this video!!!

[Josiah_X_NG]

I am a CTR ATC in Central America... there are few aircraft in this area and the pilots and atc are kind with newbies

[TChalla]

Vatsim is great and can get intense when crowded. Haven't used it for a while.

[maxme]

Great tips!
And I think you did a small mistake: the plane you were following was heading to Zurich (LSZH) and you entered the ICAO of Geneva (LSGG)

[JonathanPeel]

This is awesome, I have been wanting to fly on Vatsim but I am a little shy.

I am currently doing S1 training in South Africa, so I might be on Ground or Delivery soon 😁

[alexmillsuk]

Great tutorial, it's also a really good idea just to sit at a gate and listen to what everyone else is saying to get an idea of the phraseology as the AI ATC in MSFS uses a lot of US phraseology rather than European.

[landsfadern]

Even though I'm from Sweden, one of my most active places in the start was Gatwick to places within the UK. I am not so actve in the UK as much but from time to time i'm there. This video could have been sooo good when I was new to VATSIM but now I started getting fluent speaking there and having no problems so thats burnt for me.

[ohkaygoplay]

I didn't know you could be a ghost on VATSIM in order to practice. Thank God for this. I'm going to use this so that I won't look like a complete idiot as I'm fumbling to learn, thus ruining the experience for everyone else. The last thing I want is to be annoying and in the way.

[aleckinch]

Thank you sir! Such a great idea. I was wondering if this was possible. I have flown once on VATSIM but using a 182 & VFR several years back but didn’t keep trying, as I wanted to learn the big airliners. IFR and the big airliners are scary to me because of the speed and tight restrictions. I am going to try this straight away, and see if I can muster up the courage after trying this a few times.

[zephirusvideos]

Same thing is possible for IVAO. Also, at least on IVAO (I never used VATSIM), you can also connect to the ATC client and you can hear and also see all the planes on the radar. Very good to have a complete understanding of all the procedures from both sides.

[Sprud_]

Perfect timing, learning and practicing for vatsim rn so I can give it a try soon

[henrikolsen]

Great idea. That will be my entry into VATSIM.

[yams]

Enjoyed watching and learning, about to start flying VATSIM :)

[slendii]

I just need to build up some extra knowledge on how to work certain things but generally I'm feeling pretty confident

[cdotcarternyc]

This is some powerful advice. Been wanting to get into vatsim for a while now. This will give me something new to do in the sim. Thanks

[kaikutv]

Hello! Sorry this is somewhat of a stupid question, but what settings should I use in preflight menu? Meaning multiplayer, atc and weather? And thank you so much for a really informative video! I will do this as soon as I know what to put in that menu before loading to airport :D